The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reporting an uptick in flu-like illness and other viruses. Agency health officer Rebecca Burns said the tri-county health department during February saw an increase in respiratory illnesses and gastro-intestinal illnesses, as well as other communicable diseases. According to Kim Wilhelm, prevention services director, it is typical for flu to peak in February and …

  Alyn E. Davis, age 85, of Mendon, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Mendon on Oct. 18, 1930 the son of the late Walter E. and Vivian (Robinson) Davis. Alyn was married to Shirley M. Smith in May of 1956 while in Las Vegas. They returned to Mendon in 1963, …

The Kalamazoo Wings (31-28-4-1) scored in the first two periods last night and goaltender Clay Witt held off the comeback minded Reading Royals to pick up their second victory in as many nights. Curtis Valk and Justin Taylor scored just 24 seconds part in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. The goal by Valk was his 16th of …

Theresa Barczak, 66, of White Pigeon, died Sunday, March 20, 2016, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Rapids. She was born July 7, 1949, in Jackson, a daughter of John A. and Sophia C. (Chrapek) Barczak. She lived in the White Pigeon area most of her life. She was employed by Barczak’s Restaurant, was a member of St. Joseph …

Three Rivers Middle School teachers and administrators were on full alert Wednesday, the day after a threat of violence was posted on a social media site. Superintendent Jean Logan said middle school principal Nikki Nash was made aware Tuesday night of a social-media posting by a student who threatened to commit an act of violence Wednesday. Logan said police were …

Hi! I’m Thoroughly Modern Millie and I am a beautiful female blue tick hound. I am very mellow and gentle and am about 5 years old. I really like attention, walk nicely on a leash and get along with other dogs. My cute, floppy ears feel like black velvet. Just to show you how sweet and friendly I am I …

Sturgis city commissioners on Monday approved a $1.6 million agreement for St. Joseph County’s commitment to help fund a proposed $2 million softball complex. The move came six days after the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a motion to allocate the amount to the city toward development of the four-field complex on city-owned property on Lafayette Street, near …

Superintendents in St. Joseph County’s two largest school districts received good news Monday. In Three Rivers, Jean Logan’s contract was extended an additional year. As a result, her contract will expire in June 2018. Logan, 51, is in her second year as head of the 2,600-student district and is paid $120,000 a year. In addition, the Three Rivers board approved …

A utility trailer was discovered stolen from a Mendon Township location this week. State police said the 5-by-8-foot trailer was stolen from the 26000 block of M-60. The black, Tractor Supply-brand trailer is believed to have been stolen sometime in December 2015.

Cass County Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge announced this week he will not be a candidate for re-election this year. Dodge will be leaving the post he has held since early 1982 due to mandatory retirement provisions in the Michigan constitution. According the state constitution, judges are no longer eligible for re-election once they reach age 70. Dodge has served …